Songwriter Trysts

In this episode of Songwriter Trysts, host Rae Leigh sits down with Grammy-winning LA drummer MB Gordy, whose legendary career spans session work, touring, composing, teaching, and film production. After meeting through mutual friend Kitt Wakeley at NAMM and the 2026 Grammys, Rae and MB dive into his eclectic — and sometimes chaotically honest — approach to surviving and thriving in the music industry. Raw, insightful, and wildly inspiring, this conversation gives listeners a rare peek behind the curtain of a true working musician’s world. Tune in for stories, wisdom, and a whole lot of heart.

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• Website

• Instagram

• Facebook

• YouTube

🌟 NEW PODCAST EPISODE OUT NOW!
Join Rae Leigh on the Songwriter Trysts podcast as she sits down with the one and only 8 Ball Aitken for an insightful and entertaining deep dive into his remarkable journey in music. From growing up in Australia to carving out a career as a songwriter and session musician in Nashville, 8 Ball shares the real stories behind the music and his signature swamp-blues sound.

🎤 In this episode, they explore:

🎶 Life and creativity in Nashville's vibrant music scene
🎸 The evolution of his unique swamp-blues style
📀 The story behind his new album Ice Cream Man 2, featuring the track "The Friends We Make"
🎉 Details about the upcoming Mt Coot-tha Songwriters Festival this May

📅 Join Us at the Mt Coot-tha Songwriters Festival!
Celebrate the craft of songwriting in the stunning Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens, Brisbane. Enjoy live performances and workshops with artists including 8 Ball Aitken and Rae Leigh. A perfect day out for music lovers and creators alike!

📍 Event Details:
🗓️ Date: Sunday, 25 May 2025
📍 Location: Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens, Brisbane
🎟️ Tickets & Info: https://events.humanitix.com/mt-coot-...
📘 Facebook Event: /18qtdbo5uc

👇 Stay Connected & Show Your Support:

🔗 Follow 8 Ball Aitken:
🌐 Website: 8ballaitken.com
📘 Facebook: /8ballaitkenmusic
📸 Instagram: /8ballaitkenmusic
🎵 Bandcamp: 8ballaitken.bandcamp.com
📺 YouTube: /8ballaitken

🔗 Follow Songwriter Trysts:
🌐 Website: songwritertrysts.com
📘 Facebook: /songwritertrysts
📸 Instagram: /songwritertrysts
🎧 Podcast: Listen on Podbean
📺 YouTube: /@songwritertrysts

💬 We’d love your feedback!
Let us know in the comments what you thought of the episode and who you’d love to see featured next.

#8BallAitken #SongwriterTrysts #RaeLeigh #TheFriendsWeMake #NashvilleSongwriter #AussieMusic #MtCootthaFestival #IndependentArtist #SongwritingCommunity #PodcastEpisode

In this heartfelt episode of Songwriter Trysts hosted by singer-songwriter Rae Leigh, Ester Wiesnerova, composer and Recording Academy member, takes us on a journey from her roots in Slovakia to the vibrant music scene of New York City. With a powerful story of resilience, Ester shares how she was influenced by her mother’s political and spiritual songwriting, and how music became her tool for connection and healing. From performing in prisons and psychiatric hospitals to overcoming language barriers and funding her studies at Berklee College of Music, Ester's passion for jazz and composition has been the driving force behind her remarkable career. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about the transformative power of music and the determination to follow one's creative path.

connect with Ester:

• Website
• Instagram

• YouTube

🎙️ Songwriter Trysts Podcast – Episode with Aubrielle 🎶

In this special episode of Songwriter Trysts, host Rae Leigh visits the home of Bri, the creative force behind Aubrielle Artist, for an intimate and inspiring conversation. This episode dives into the life and artistry of a songwriter whose music is as cinematic as it is captivating.

Aubrielle crafts dark-pop soundscapes that blend powerful vocals with atmospheric orchestras, heavy drums, and enormous synths. Her work as a multi-instrumentalist, performing artist, and screen composer bridges the worlds of pop and film music, creating a signature style that’s contemporary, cinematic, and epic.

Bri opens up about her childhood spent between Rockhampton and the Gold Coast, how these experiences influenced her artistry, and her journey into music, starting with the humble recorder and evolving into a fearless sonic dramatist. She shares her philosophy of making listeners feel like they’re part of something greater — the same “movie trailer” anticipation that her music evokes.

This episode is packed with authenticity, laughter, and creative inspiration for anyone who loves songwriting or seeks to connect with the heart of music.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream your favorite shows!

🌟 Subscribe to hear more powerful songwriter stories from around the world.

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🎄 Songwriter Trysts Christmas 2024 Bonus Episode 🎄

Join Rae Leigh for a special holiday episode featuring Los Angeles-based soul-pop sensation Cooper Phillip! Cooper shares the magic behind her brand-new Christmas single, co-written and produced by the legendary Walter Afanasyev—best known for co-creating Mariah Carey's iconic "All I Want for Christmas Is You."

Discover Cooper’s inspiring journey from her classical roots in Russia to becoming a global pop powerhouse with over 15 million streams. Hear how her passion for timeless Christmas classics shaped this heartfelt holiday anthem and what it’s like collaborating with a true legend.

✨ A celebration of dreams, music, and holiday cheer, this episode is the perfect soundtrack for your festive season!

Listen now and let the holiday spirit inspire you. 🎶

#ChristmasMusic #CooperPhillip #SongwriterTrysts #HolidaySpecial

In this episode of Songwriter Trysts, Rae Leigh welcomes Nashville-based singer-songwriter Matt Oakley to discuss his heartfelt song "Soldier's Son," a tribute to his father and Gold Star families who have lost loved ones in combat. Matt shares his unique journey growing up as an "army brat," moving across the world, and eventually discovering his love for music. He also opens up about his songwriting process, the importance of authenticity, and how his personal experiences have shaped his artistry. They explore the emotional impact of military life on families, and the challenge of balancing creativity with the demands of social media in today's music industry.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that dives into the heart of storytelling through song, the power of music to heal, and the resilience of those who serve. Whether you're a songwriter, a music lover, or someone looking to understand the creative process behind meaningful music, this episode offers a genuine glimpse into the life of a passionate artist.Connect with Malachi:

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In this episode of Songwriter Trysts, Rae Leigh sits down with the talented Malachi Gagnon to explore his inspiring journey as a singer-songwriter. Hailing from the serene and woodsy landscapes of New Hampshire, Malachi shares how his surroundings fuel his creativity and passion for music.

In This Episode:

Join us for an insightful conversation about overcoming fear, the joy of creating music, and what it takes to grow as an artist in today’s world.

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In this inspiring episode of Songwriter Trysts, Rae Leigh sits down with Nashville-based Grammy award winning singer-songwriter Tim James, whose journey to success is as unconventional as it is remarkable. Born and raised in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Tim shares his path from sales jobs in Los Angeles to becoming a successful songwriter in Nashville. Despite setbacks, including painting houses after a publishing deal fell through, Tim took a leap of faith and committed to his passion for music. This decision led him to sign with a publishing company owned by Toby Keith, which resulted in his first single, "My List," hitting number one and being featured on over 11 million albums. Tim's story of risk-taking, perseverance, and eventual success in the music industry offers hope and motivation to all aspiring songwriters. Tune in to hear more about his journey, the challenges he faced, and the lessons learned along the way.

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In the latest episode of the Songwriter Trysts podcast, host Rae Leigh sits down with two of New Zealand's rising country music stars, Miranda Easten and Steffany Beck. These talented artists open up about their journey in the music industry, their aspirations, and what lies ahead for them.

As New Zealand's country music scene continues to grow, Miranda and Steffany are eager to take their talents across the Tasman Sea. Australia, with its thriving music culture, is at the top of their list. "We really want to come to Australia," says Steffany Beck, sharing their plans to connect with Australian fans and immerse themselves in the country music community.

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Exploring the Journey of New Zealand's Rising Country Stars - Miranda Easten and Stephanie Beck

In the latest episode of the Songwriter Trysts podcast, host Rae Leigh sits down with two of New Zealand's rising country music stars, Miranda Easten and Stephanie Beck. These talented artists open up about their journey in the music industry, their aspirations, and what lies ahead for them.

The Road to Australia and Beyond

As New Zealand's country music scene continues to grow, Miranda and Stephanie are eager to take their talents across the Tasman Sea. Australia, with its thriving music culture, is at the top of their list. "We really want to come to Australia," says Stephanie Beck, sharing their plans to connect with Australian fans and immerse themselves in the country music community.

Aiming for the Stars

For Miranda and Stephanie, the journey isn't just about making music; it's about achieving dreams. With goals as lofty as touring Australia and even winning a Grammy, the duo is determined to push their boundaries. As Stephanie puts it, "Awards aren’t the most important thing, but they’re a great thing to aim for." Miranda echoes this sentiment, celebrating their success in New Zealand's top 10 albums chart and the growing recognition of country music in their homeland.

Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Artists

Rae Leigh also delves into the challenges of the music industry, asking the duo what advice they would give to aspiring artists. Their message is clear: persistence is key. "Just keep going," says Stephanie, emphasizing the importance of learning from every experience and staying true to oneself. Miranda adds, "It's all about little puzzle pieces... just write down your puzzle pieces and tackle them one at a time."

Looking to the Future

As they continue to build their careers, both artists remain inspired by the legends who have paved the way. They cite Dolly Parton and Neil Young as dream collaborators, with Stephanie even dedicating a song on her EP to Dolly titled, "What Would Dolly Do?"

Miranda and Stephanie's passion for their craft is undeniable, and their excitement for what's to come is palpable. For fans and supporters, the best way to stay connected is by following them on social media and streaming their music. And who knows? With any luck, these talented artists might soon be performing live in Australia.

Stay tuned to the Songwriter Trysts blog and podcast for updates on their journey and more inspiring stories from the world of music.